Superset

Evolution, the Themes of
Biology, and Scientific Inquiry 1

Figure 1.1  What can this beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus) teach us about biology?

Key Concepts Inquiring About Life
There are few hiding places for a mouse among the sparse clumps of beach grass
1.1 The study of life reveals unifying
themes that dot the brilliant white sand dunes along the Florida seashore. However, the
beach mice that live there have light, dappled fur, allowing them to blend into
1.2 The Core Theme: Evolution
their surroundings (Figure 1.1). Mice of the same species (Peromyscus polionotus)
accounts for the unity and
diversity of life also inhabit nearby inland areas. These mice are much darker in color, as are the
soil and vegetation where they live (see smaller photo). For both beach mice and
1.3 In studying nature, scientists
inland mice, the close color match of coat (fur) and environment is vital for sur-
make observations and form
and test hypotheses vival, since hawks, herons, and other sharp-eyed predators periodically scan the
landscape for prey. How has the color of each group of mice come to be so well
1.4 Science benefits from a
matched, or adapted, to the local background?
cooperative approach and
An organism’s adaptations to its environment, such as the mouse’s protective
diverse viewpoints
camouflage, are the result of evolution, the process of change over time that has
resulted in the astounding array of organisms found on Earth. Evolution is the
fundamental principle of biology and the core theme of this book.
Although biologists know a great deal about life on Earth, many mysteries
remain. Posing questions about the living world and seeking answers through
scientific inquiry are the central activities of biology, the scientific study of
life. Biologists’ questions can be ambitious. They may ask how a single tiny cell

An inland mouse of the species
When you see this blue icon, log in to MasteringBiology
Peromyscus polionotus. This mouse has a Get Ready for This Chapter
and go to the Study Area for digital resources.
much darker back, side, and face than mice of
the same species that inhabit sand dunes.

2

becomes a tree or a dog, how the human mind works, or While limited to a handful of images, Figure 1.2 reminds
how the different forms of life in a forest interact. When us that the living world is wondrously varied. How do biolo-
questions occur to you as you observe the natural world, you gists make sense of this diversity and complexity? This open-
are thinking like a biologist. More than anything else, biol- ing chapter sets up a framework for answering this question.
ogy is a quest, an ongoing inquiry about the nature of life. The first part of the chapter provides a panoramic view of
At the most fundamental level, we may ask: What is life? the biological “landscape,” organized around some unifying
Even a child realizes that a dog or a plant is alive, while a themes. We then focus on biology’s core theme, evolution,
rock or a car is not. Yet the phenomenon we call life defies a which accounts for life’s unity and diversity. Next, we look at
simple, one-sentence definition. We recognize life by what scientific inquiry—how scientists ask and attempt to answer
living things do. Figure 1.2 highlights some of the properties questions about the natural world. Finally, we address the
and processes we associate with life. culture of science and its effects on society.

Figure 1.2  Some properties of life.

▼ Order. This close-up of a sunflower
illustrates the highly ordered
structure that characterizes life.

▲ Regulation. The regulation of blood
flow through the blood vessels of this
jackrabbit’s ears helps maintain a
constant body temperature by
▲ Evolutionary adaptation. The overall adjusting heat exchange with the
appearance of this pygmy sea horse surrounding air.
camouflages the animal in its environment.
Such adaptations evolve over countless
generations by the reproductive
success of those individuals with ▼ Reproduction.
heritable traits that are best suited to Organisms (living
their environments. things) reproduce
their own kind.

▲ Energy processing. This
butterfly obtains fuel in ▲ Response to the
the form of nectar from environment.
flowers. The butterfly The Venus flytrap
will use chemical energy on the left closed
stored in its food to its trap rapidly in
power flight and other response to the
work. environmental
stimulus of a
▲ Growth and development. grasshopper
Inherited information carried by landing on the
genes controls the pattern of open trap.
Animation: Signs of Life growth and development of organ-
Video: Sea Horse Camouflage isms, such as this oak seedling.

chapter 1 Evolution, the Themes of Biology, and Scientific Inquiry 3

which consists of all life on Earth and all the places where life exists: most regions of land. and even sediments far below the ocean floor. each theme. The community in our meadow ecosystem includes many kinds of plants. An ecosystem consists of all the living things in a particular area.3  Exploring Levels of Biological Organization ◀1 The Biosphere Even from space. and coral reefs. ◀2 Ecosystems Our first scale change brings us to a North American mountain meadow. Figure 1. various animals. which is an example of an ecosystem. ▶3 Communities The array of organisms inhabiting a particular ecosystem is called a biological community. most bodies of water. such as bacteria.1 Here are five unifying themes—ways of thinking about life that will still hold true decades from now. How can you Evolution organize into a comprehensible framework all the informa- tion you’ll encounter as you study the broad range of topics In this section and the next. The study of life reveals Organization unifying themes Information Energy and Matter Biology is a subject of enormous scope. that are too small to see without a microscope. we can see signs of Earth’s life—in the green mosaic of the forests. and enormous numbers of diverse microorganisms. the Themes of Biology. A community is therefore the set of fungus. for example.Concept  1. and light. 4 chapter 1 Evolution. water. as are tropical forests. of which are shown here) and a population of and so is each animal. deserts. mule deer. bounds of a specified area. mushrooms and other fungi. and Scientific Inquiry . such as soil. the atmosphere to an altitude of several kilometers. our Each plant in the meadow includes a population of lupine (some meadow is an organism. atmospheric gases. ▶4 Populations ▲5 Organisms A population consists of all the Individual living things individuals of a species living within the are called organisms. and exciting new Interactions biological discoveries are being made every day. populations that inhabit a particular area. grasslands. we’ll briefly define and explore included in biology? Focusing on a few big ideas will help. Each of these forms of life belongs to a species—a group whose members can only reproduce with other members of the group. For example. and bacterium. We can also see the entire biosphere. along with all the nonliving components of the environment with which life interacts.

The jigsaw each tissue has a distinct puzzle–like “skin” on the surface of the arrangement and contributes leaf is a tissue called epidermis (right particular properties side of photo). we can divide this enormous range into different of DNA that had been extracted from cells. The leaf shown complex organism. location of photosynthesis. microscope. 10 μm 50 μm Cell ▶8 Cells ▼9 Organelles ▼ 10 Molecules The cell is life’s Chloroplasts are examples Our last scale change drops us into fundamental unit of organelles. depicted as a series of numbered steps. Reductionism has propelled many major dis- meadow. as we’ll discuss next. The image structure consisting of two or more units organisms consist below. represented as balls in this of a single cell. the process Leaves. The pores through the to organ function. and Scientific Inquiry 5 .Theme: New Properties Emerge at Successive Zooming in through the levels of the biological hierar- Levels of Biological Organization chy at ever-finer resolution illustrates an approach called reductionism. which are responsible chemical energy for photosynthesis. ▼6 Organs ▼7 Tissues The structural hierarchy of life continues to Viewing the tissues of a leaf requires a microscope. A leaf is an example of an here has been cut on an angle. and it organisms are multicellular and absorbs sunlight feature a division of labor among during photosynthe- specialized cells. a body part that is made up of multiple the leaf (left side of photo) is the main tissues and has specific functions in the body. Reductionism is a powerful strategy in organisms to the global scale of the entire living planet. Some present in cells. taken by a powerful called atoms. which performs single chloroplast. This cell is about 40 of chlorophyll Atoms micrometers (μm) across—about 500 molecules are of them would reach across a small Chlorophyll organized into coin. stems. of food. This method is so named because it reduces Organization The study of life on Earth extends from complex systems to simpler components that are more the microscopic scale of the molecules and cells that make up manageable to study. but it provides a necessarily incomplete view of life highlights the hierarchy of biological organization. Other leaf green. The honeycombed tissue in the interior of organ. Each tissue is a group of unfold as we explore the architecture of a cells that work together. epidermis allow entry of the gas CO2. the Themes of Biology.3. As biology. Within each a magnified view of a cell in a chloroplast. Chlorophyll is the all the functions pigment that makes a of life. James Watson levels of biological organization. and roots are the major organs of that converts light energy to the plants. millions leaf tissue. coveries. chemical energy of sugar. A molecule is a chemical function. on Earth. Here we see sis. a raw material for sugar production. In Figure 1. performing a specialized function. For example. Within an organ. we zoom in and Francis Crick inferred the chemical basis of biological from space to take a closer and closer look at life in a mountain inheritance. Within these tiny cells are even molecule systems that convert Chloroplast 1 μm smaller green structures called light energy to the chloroplasts. This journey. the various a chloroplast for a view of life at the of structure and functional components molecular level. shows a computer graphic of a chlorophyll molecule. by studying the molecular structure biologists. chapter 1 Evolution.

enclosed organelles nucleus) 1 μm While hovering. Even a process that occurs parts won’t transport you anywhere. exploration of a biological system by analyzing the interac. lar level and then zooming out. For instance. The theory a specific organization of these molecules in the chloroplast.3. so (membrane- hummingbirds have the ability. or a desert are prokaryotic. it will not take place in a disorganized organization that can perform all activities required for life.3: Its thin. archaean)— considered a system. and Scientific Inquiry . alter ecosystems and the entire biosphere? Systems biology The cells are shown to scale here. Consider a leaf in Figure 1. see Figure 6. ment of your eyes as you read this sentence results from the Emergent properties are not unique to life. The cells of two groups of single-celled microorganisms— tions among its parts.5. an ant colony. which we’ll explore shortly. magnification of a prokaryotic cell. For instance. a single leaf cell can be bacteria (singular. every cell properties of life especially challenging to study. By examining and modeling the dynamic behav. The coordinated processes of photosynthesis require based on the observations of many scientists. we dis- complement reductionism with systems biology. For example. other organelles our 24-hour cycle of wakefulness and sleep? At a larger scale. DNA Eukaryotic cell (no nucleus) Structure and Function Membrane Membrane At each level of the biological hierarchy. Figure 1. animals. beginning this time at the molecu- by natural selection. Because such correlations of structure and function are common in all forms of life. how (Figure 1. In this context. test-tube mixture of chlorophyll and other chloroplast mol. DNA (throughout backward or hover in place. systems biology A eukaryotic cell contains membrane-enclosed organelles enables us to pose new kinds of questions. knowing the function of something provides insight into its structure and organization. making the emergent All cells share certain characteristics. such as the recycling of carbon atoms. Many examples from the animal kingdom show a correlation between structure and function. Conversely. including plants and ecosystem. but if they are arranged on a global scale. bacterium) and archaea (singular. Nevertheless. enclosed) unique among birds. to see a larger Prokaryotic cell can be used to study life at all levels. A box of bicycle activities of muscle and nerve cells. product of cellular functions. the Themes of Biology. although photosynthesis occurs in In life’s structural hierarchy. biologi. are composed of eukaryotic cells.Emergent Properties slender beaks into flowers and feed on nectar. to fly Membrane. cal systems are far more complex.4). the cell is the smallest unit of an intact chloroplast. This approach allows us to see novel properties emerge at each level that are absent from The Cell: An Organism’s Basic Unit the preceding one. the tinguish two main forms of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. states that all living organisms are made of cells. as can a frog. which are Isolated components of living systems—the objects of study the basic unit of life. For example. the actions of organisms are all in a reductionist approach—lack a number of significant based on the functioning of cells. including the photosynthetic Compared with such nonliving examples. we find a correlation of structure and function. For example. ior of an integrated network of components. In fact.4  Contrasting eukaryotic and how does a gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide prokaryotic cells in size and complexity. These emergent properties are due of Structure and Function to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases. The elegant match of form and function in the structures of life is explained Let’s reexamine Figure 1. analyzing a biological structure gives us clues about what it does and how it works. such as the DNA-containing do networks of molecular interactions in our bodies generate nucleus. biologists today als between the cell and its surroundings. Cytoplasm flat shape maximizes the capture of sunlight by chloroplasts. the hummingbird’s anatomy allows the Nucleus wings to rotate at the shoulder. length of the prokaryotic cell and the longest dimension of the eukaryotic cell. 6 chapter 1 Evolution. is the in a certain way. is enclosed by a membrane that regulates the passage of materi- To fully explore emergent properties. are found in the cells of all eukaryotes. however. activity of chloroplasts in leaf cells. All other forms of life. the birds VISUAL SKILLS Measure the scale bar and use its length to estimate the can extend their long. ecules. you can pedal to your chosen destination. Some organelles. the move- properties that emerge at higher levels of organization. The so-called Cell Theory was first developed in the 1800s.

in a segment of DNA. the genetic information encoded by the DNA model shows the atoms geometric shapes and letters are directed your development (Figure 1. As the cells grew (a) DNA double helix. Fertilized egg with DNA from somes contain genetic material in the form of DNA both parents Embryo’s cells (deoxyribonucleic acid). These and divided. genes T are the units of inheritance. identical to that of the parent cell. A DNA molecule is made up of two long nucleotides. that carry out photosynthesis. Each chro. T. called strands. and Scientific Inquiry 7 . or copied.are specific to particular cell types. Their names are is made up of four kinds of chemical building blocks called abbreviated A. They encode the information A necessary to build all of the molecules synthesized within a G cell.7). Each chain takes the three-dimensional sequences of the four types of form of a double helix.4. the Genetic Material T Before a cell divides. This (b) Single strand of DNA. and A each of the two cellular offspring inherits a complete set of C chromosomes. Egg Theme: Life’s Processes Involve the cell Expression and Transmission of Genetic Information Information Within cells. prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells.6). DNA Cell A C Nucleotide T A DNA. each a section of the DNA of the chromosome. as shown in Figure 1. the chloroplast Figure 1. a Sperm cell prokaryotic cell lacks a nucleus or other membrane-enclosed organelles. In cells that are preparing with copies of to divide. Specific sequences of these four nucleotides encode the information Animation: Heritable Information: DNA chapter 1 Evolution. Genetic store information. abbreviated A. You began as a single cell stocked with DNA inherited from T your parents.5  A lung cell from a newt divides into two smaller cells that will grow and divide again. nucleotides. Transmitted from parents to offspring. C. For example. In contrast to eukaryotic cells. 10 μm Figure 1.6  Inherited in Figure 1. and G (Figure 1. the Themes of Biology. the chromosomes may be made visible using a dye inherited DNA that appears blue when bound to the DNA (Figure 1. Furthermore.7  DNA: The genetic Nucleus material. C mosome contains one very long DNA molecule with hun- G dreds or thousands of genes. a DNA molecule information is encoded in specific chains. Offspring with traits inherited from both parents Figure 1. which in turn establish that cell’s identity and function. and G. C. T. arranged in a double helix. nucleotides. the DNA is first replicated. structures called chromo.3 is an organelle found only in eukaryotic cells Nuclei containing DNA DNA directs development of an organism.5). Made simple symbols for the nucleo- up of two long chains (strands) tides in a small section of one The molecular structure of DNA accounts for its ability to of building blocks called strand of a DNA molecule. The replication of that DNA prior to each cell A division transmitted copies of the DNA to what eventually became the trillions of cells of your body.

The entire “library” of genetic instructions that an organism Crystallin proteins can inherits is called its genome. Overall. the cell makes (transcribes) a specific RNA molecule called mRNA. allowing the eye to see. the words tar and art. scientists have discovered whole new classes The cell translates the information in the TRANSLATION sequence of mRNA nucleotides to make a of RNA that play other roles in the cell. and Scientific Inquiry . Differences between organisms reflect differences between their nucleotide sequences rather than between DNA A C C A A A C C G A G T their genetic codes. The way DNA encodes information is analogous to Figure 1. DNA ensures faithful inheritance of genetic information from generation to generation. Recently. This universality of the genetic code is (part of the crystallin gene) T G G T T T G G C T C A a strong piece of evidence that all life is related. phrases with specific meanings. (b) A lens cell uses information in DNA to make crystallin proteins. 3 billion nucleotide pairs of DNA. section of DNA in a chromosome. which contain the same letters.8). A typical human cell has two Protein then pack together and similar sets of chromosomes. all forms of life employ essentially the same genetic code: A particular sequence of nucleotides says the same thing in one organism as it does in another. the amino acid chain forms a specific pro- Crystallin gene tein with a unique shape and function. evokes a rodent. functioning of protein-coding genes. which is then translated into a linked series of protein building blocks called amino acids.8  Gene expression: Cells use information how we arrange the letters of the alphabet into words and encoded in a gene to synthesize a functional protein. How rectly. The word rat.in genes. we U G G U U U G G C U C A mRNA have known for decades that some types of RNA are actually components of the cellular machinery that manufactures pro- teins. light because lens cells are Protein-encoding genes control protein production indi. tightly packed with transparent proteins called crystallin. Genes specify all of these RNAs as well. using a related molecule called RNA as an intermedi. while a human gene may denote a different protein (an antibody) that helps fight off (a) The lens of the eye (behind Lens infection. The sequence of nucleotides along a gene proteins? is transcribed into mRNA. Comparing the sequences in several species for a gene that codes for a particular protein can provide valuable information both Using the information in the sequence of about the protein and about the relationship of the species TRANSCRIPTION DNA nucleotides. mean very different things. and their production is also referred to as gene Chain of amino expression. the sequence provides the blueprint for making a protein. If the one-letter abbrevia. for example. such as regulating the protein. to each other. Once completed. The entire process by The crystallin which the information in a gene directs the manufacture of a gene is a cellular product is called gene expression. By carrying the instructions for making proteins and acids RNAs and by replicating with each cell division. For instance. and each set has approximately focus light. For example. the Themes of Biology. proteins are major players in building and the pupil) is able to focus cell maintaining the cell and carrying out its activities. Crystallin protein tions for the nucleotides of a set were written in letters the Figure Walkthrough 8 chapter 1 Evolution.8 is translated into a protein. We can think of nucleotides as a four-letter alphabet. For many genes. a series of linked amino acids. a given bacterial gene may specify a particular protein (an enzyme) required to break down a certain sugar molecule. PROTEIN FOLDING The chain of amino Genomics: Large-Scale Analysis acids folds into the of DNA Sequences specific shape of a crystallin protein. do lens cells make crystallin ary (Figure 1. The mRNA molecule in Figure 1. In carrying out gene expression. but other cellular RNAs function differently.

and analyze the huge volume of data that results from Figure 1. chemists. The chemicals are then how the activities of all the proteins and RNAs encoded by the available to be taken up by plants again. tools that can analyze many bio. chemicals comes from sunlight to from the cycle between organisms and the ecosystem. biologists bacteria and fungi that break down waste products. and the various for a representative member of a species—is now known for cellular activities of life are work. In contrast. and archaea. chapter 1 Evolution. some of that genomic and proteomic approaches possible. in food molecules such as sugars). scientists are applying a light. Transformation of Energy and Matter Since the early 1990s. that feed on properties. Figure 1. The third development is the for. energy throughput” technology.9  Energy flow ENERGY FLOW and chemical cycling. where they are used and then recycled (see organize. will be returned to the environment by decomposers such as cians. physicists. the cycle. The chemical energy in the study whole sets of genes (or other DNA) in one or more food molecules is then passed along by plants and other species—an approach called genomics. proteomics refers to the study of sets of proteins and their Consumers are organisms. thereby completing DNA are coordinated in cells and in whole organisms. Likewise. Organisms use chemical energy to do work. the sun. chemical physical environment. When a plant’s leaves absorb sun- catalog of known gene functions. Three important research developments have made the such as muscle contraction or cell division. growing. humans and many other animals. reproducing. As a result. living organisms is their use of energy to carry out life’s The genome sequence—the entire sequence of nucleotides activities. these chemicals specialists that may include computer scientists. in Rather than investigating a single gene at a time. primarily from the sun. When an organism uses chemical energy to perform work. of course. which is used by plants and other organisms to do work and is eventually lost from the ecosystem Light Plants energy convert Heat is lost as heat. and Scientific Inquiry 9 . energy. the pace at which researchers can determine the sequence of a genome has accelerated at an Energy and Matter A fundamental characteristic of astounding rate. leaf litter.size of those you are now reading. (The entire set of proteins expressed by a given other organisms or their remains. Decomposers Plants take up such as fungi and chemicals from bacteria break the soil and air. To make sense of the deluge of formation of energy from one form to another make life data from genome-sequencing projects and the growing possible (Figure 1. the use of computational tools to store. In contrast. The input of energy.9). such as animals. Researchers in such teams aim to learn and the bodies of dead organisms. down leaf litter and dead organisms.9). usually entering logical samples very rapidly. tissue. the genomic text would fill Theme: Life Requires the Transfer and about 700 biology textbooks. as well as numerous plants. from a variety of fields. chemicals cycle within is bioinformatics. the term photosynthetic organisms (producers) to consumers. researchers the process of photosynthesis. and work requires energy. Moving. molecules within the leaves convert the energy of systems biology approach at the cellular and molecular levels. Chemicals that a plant absorbs from the air or soil high-throughput methods. may be incorporated into the plant’s body and then passed mation of interdisciplinary research teams—groups of diverse to an animal that eats the plant. or organism is called a proteome). and the trans- fungi. enabled by a revolution in technology. One is “high. an ecosystem. energy is lost to the surroundings as heat. such as sugars. Chemicals in plants are passed plants convert energy from LC EMICA YCLING to organisms that sunlight to chemical energy (stored CH eat the plants. Chemicals returning chemicals to the soil. sunlight to the chemical energy of food. flows through an ecosystem in one direction. There is a one-way flow of energy in an ecosystem: During photosynthesis. the Themes of Biology. engineers. bacteria. The second major development as light and exiting as heat. mathemati. and. Eventually. cell.

Systems Insulin-producing Glucose Interactions At any level of the biological hierarchy. VISUAL SKILLS In this example.11). At lower levels of organization. tree through nutrients and its roots. glucose. the output of the plants compete for a soil resource that is in short supply. Thus.10  Feedback regulation. an acacia tree interacts products. Interactions between organ- ple of insulin signaling (Figure 1. shutting off the pathway. This eliminates the stimulus for insu. This holds true equally well for molecules in a cell and the components of an ecosystem. the output or product of a pro- cess regulates that very process. the Themes of Biology. a loop in which with its roots. Insulin. The human body regulates use and storage of glucose. The most common form of regulation in living systems is negative feedback. – to secrete insulin into the blood. leaves and fruit (Figure 1. between species. when two lin secretion. every organ. and Scientific Inquiry . Cells in the body must match the supply of fuel (sugar) to 4 Lowered blood glucose demand. The platelet pileup then initi. minerals to the ism interacts with other organisms. structures in the blood release oxygen. returning up by the At the ecosystem level. Positive feedback occurs as chemi- cals released by the platelets attract more Leaves fall to the platelets. Figure 1. glucose and liver cells to store cells. and molecules—are crucial to their smooth operation.11  Interactions of an African acacia tree with other organisms regulated by negative feedback. and those the pancreas to secrete insulin. ground and are ates a complex process that seals the decomposed by organisms that wound with a clot. This lowers glucose levels in the blood. there are and the physical environment. in turn. called platelets begin to aggregate at the O2 site. regulating the opposing processes of sugar break. inter. processes to self-regulate by a mechanism called feedback. return minerals to the soil. a major cellular fuel. Leaves take in CO2 carbon dioxide injury is an example. we’ll discuss both as examples. in which an end Sunlight product speeds up its own production. cell in pancreas in blood Insulin 1 High blood glucose levels actions between the components of the system ensure smooth stimulate cells in the pancreas integration of all the parts. thus decreas. Ecosystems: An Organism’s Interactions with Other Water and Organisms and the Physical minerals in the Animals eat leaves and fruit from the Environment soil are taken tree.10). such that they function as a whole. tissues. when a lion kills and eats a zebra). for instance. process negatively regulates that process. causes body in which one species benefits and the other is harmed (as cells to take up glucose and liver cells to store it. Leaves absorb light The clotting of your blood in response to energy from the sun. soil in their waste For instance. after a meal the level of isms include those that are mutually beneficial (as when the sugar glucose in your blood rises. both are harmed—for example. The key is the ability of many biological secretion of insulin. As seen in the exam. the interactions between causing them to take up components that make up living organisms—organs. Consider the regulation of blood sugar levels. This figure shows negative Interactions Are Important in Biological feedback: The response to insulin reduces the initial stimulus. When a blood ves- from the air and sel is damaged. Though less common than processes Figure 1. Negative feedback Molecules: Interactions Within Organisms 3 Insulin binds to body cells. 2 Insulin circulates in the blood throughout the body. insects that live on it. also many biological processes regulated by positive feedback. with soil microorganisms associated 10 chapter 1 Evolution. In some interactions ing blood glucose levels. what is the response to insulin? What is the initial stimulus that is reduced by the response? In feedback regulation. and animals that eat its the response reduces the initial stimulus.Theme: From Molecules to Ecosystems. levels do not stimulate down and storage. which stimulates cells of “cleaner fish” eat small parasites on a turtle).

4. for example: greatly increased the burning of fossil fuels (coal.11). Furthermore.12  Threatened by global warming. humans have (lower) level of biological organization. see Appendix A. Identify the theme or themes exemplified by (a) the (CO2) and other gases into the atmosphere. This organisms living on Earth today are the modified descendants of common ancestors. oil. ture of the planet by about 1ºC since 1900.12). more suitable locations—but for some.” Continue with organelles. jackrabbits. two species share certain traits (unity) simply because Figure 1. WHAT IF? For each theme discussed in this section. As the and droughts are occurring more often. the permanent loss of a species. the populations of many species are particular environments—is evolution: the concept that the shrinking in size or even disappearing (Figure 1. and increased mortality rates. At the current rates give an example not mentioned in the text. the roots of a plant biologists that evolution is the core theme of biology. resulting in a vast diversity of past and pres- planet. (b) the development of a to be trapped close to the Earth’s surface (see Figure 56. decreasing reproductive success. For example. gas). take in carbon dioxide from the air. Their dance of evidence of different types supports the occurrence food intake drops. causing heat sharp quills of a porcupine. moving up the biological hierarchy. The environ.3. we humans interact with our 1. and extreme weather events such as storms sense of everything we know about living organisms.2 This ongoing global warming is a major aspect of climate change. For suggested answers.” To understand Dobzhansky’s statement. while sea horses. and “A molecule consists of atoms bonded together. But global warming is not the only way the climate is changing: Wind and precipitation patterns are Evolution Evolution is the one idea that makes logical also shifting. “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the of climate change affecting life on Earth. may be profound. On a global scale. Concept  1. plants and other photosynthetic organ- isms have generated all the oxygen in the atmosphere. For example. Figure 56. hun. the Themes of Biology. a directional change to the global climate that lasts The Core Theme: Evolution accounts for three decades or more (as opposed to short-term changes for the unity and diversity of life in the weather). Scientists calculate that the CO2 that human activities have and (c) a hummingbird using sugar to power its flight. over the past 150 years. As habitats deteriorate. see Make Connections light of evolution. that CO2 and other gases are being added to the atmosphere. 3. added to the atmosphere has increased the average tempera.30. ment is also affected by organisms. for example. trend can result in extinction. in addition to let’s now turn to evolution. the conse- Each organism also interacts continuously with physical quences of these changes for humans and other organisms factors in its environment. environment causes lizards in the we can account for differences between two species (diversity) genus Sceloporus to spend more with the idea that certain heritable changes occurred after the time in refuges from the heat. There is consensus among taking up water and minerals from the soil. soil. sentence that includes components from the previous quences: For example. A warmer they have descended from a common ancestor. This practice releases large amounts of carbon dioxide 2. and giraffes all look very differ- dreds of plant and animal species are shifting their ranges to ent. and interactions). multicellular organism from a single fertilized egg. Concept Check 1. Having considered four of the unifying themes (organi- and release oxygen to the air (see Figure 1. and break up rocks as they grow. information. The leaves of a tree. As a result. leading to food shortages in the form of shared features. hummingbirds. absorb light from the sun. For instance. Starting with the molecular level in Figure 1. we need to discuss how biologists think about the vast diver- sity of life on the planet. there is insufficient The scientific explanation for the unity and diversity of suitable habitat. contributing to the formation of it is discussed in detail in the next section. or they may not be able to migrate quickly organisms—as well as for the adaptation of organisms to their enough.29). Theodosius since 1975. global models predict an additional rise of at least 3ºC before the end of this century. For more examples Dobzhansky. An abun- reducing time for foraging. their skeletons are organized in the same basic way. But along with the diversity there is also unity. polar bears have lost much of the ice ent organisms.Interactions among organisms help regulate the function. Our interactions sometimes have dire conse. Climate change has fossil record clearly shows. chapter 1 Evolution. platform from which they hunt. life has been evolving on Earth for already affected organisms and their habitats all over the billions of years. write a environment. To quote one in Mexico have disappeared of the founders of modern evolutionary theory. zation. Surveys show of evolution and the theory that describes how it takes place. ing of the ecosystem as a whole. energy and matter.1 Like other organisms. that 12% of the 200 populations which we’ll discuss in detail in Chapters 22–25. two species diverged from their common ancestor. and Scientific Inquiry 11 . As we’ll discuss in greater detail in Concept 56. As a result of descent with modifica- tion.

known species include at least 100. 290. 57. molecules by photosynthesis. function. have led to a reevaluation (For example. Each round structure in this photo is an archaeal cell. which pond water. fungi absorb nutrients in Figure 1. environments. the ▶ Protists are mostly conversion of light energy to unicellular eukaryotes the chemical energy in food. Archaea. and some relatively simple multicellular ▶ Kingdom Fungi relatives. The over 100 million.Classifying the Diversity of Life The Three Domains of Life Diversity is a hallmark of life. and Eukarya (Figure 1. Whatever the actual number. Each into species and broader groupings by careful comparisons of species is given a two-part name: The first part is the name structure. Estimates This domain includes four subgroups: kingdom Plantae. genera) to which the species belongs. In the last few of the genus (plural. decades. and 1 million insect species The organisms making up two of the three domains— (more than half of all known forms of life)—not to mention Bacteria and Archaea—are prokaryotic. Although this reevaluation is ongo- To date. Each rod-shaped structure prokaryotes known as archaea live in Earth’s extreme in this photo is a bacterial cell.000 plant species. Biologists have so far identified Historically. the Themes of Biology. identify thousands of additional species each year. in a way that accurately reflects their evolutionary relationships. of the total number of species range from about 10 million to kingdom Fungi. kingdom Animalia. Biologists face nutrition: Plants produce their own sugars and other food a major challenge in attempting to make sense of this variety. and Scientific Inquiry .000 species ing. (a) Domain Bacteria (b) Domain Archaea 2 μm 2 μm Bacteria are the most diverse and widespread prokaryotes and are Domain Archaea includes multiple kingdoms. scientists have classified the diversity of life-forms and named about 1. such and the second part is unique to the species within the genus. as comparisons of DNA sequences.8 million species of organisms. Some of the now classified into multiple kingdoms. Researchers (organisms with eukaryotic cells) are in domain Eukarya. All the eukaryotes the myriad types of single-celled organisms. and the protists. the enormous three kingdoms are distinguished partly by their modes of variety of life gives biology a very broad scope. Homo sapiens is the name of our species. (c) Domain Eukarya ◀ Kingdom Animalia consists of multicellular eukaryotes that ingest other organisms. Scientists are currently debating how to classify protists absorb nutrients from outside their bodies.13). and other obvious features. (animals with backbones). Pictured is defined in part here is an assortment by the nutritional of protists inhabiting mode of its members (such as this mushroom). 12 chapter 1 Evolution.13  The three domains of life.000 vertebrate species called domains: Bacteria. 100 μm ▲ Kingdom Plantae (land plants) consists of terrestrial multicellular eukaryotes that carry out photosynthesis. biologists currently divide all organisms into three groups of fungi. new methods of assessing species relationships.) of the classification of life. such as salty lakes and boiling hot springs.

illumi- nates both the similarities and differences in the world of life. Cilia (singular. or fungi. and Scientific Inquiry 13 . which have an elaborate system of tubules that is striking in cross-sectional views. even among distantly related organisms (Figure 1. They occur in eukaryotes as diverse as Paramecium (found in pond water) and humans. unity is obvious in many features of cell structure.dissolved form from their surroundings. the Themes of Biology. is the saga of a changing Earth food by eating and digesting other organisms. forms (Figure 1. For example. The history of life.1 μm film of debris-trapping mucus upward. It also introduces another important dimension of biology: the passage of time. chapter 1 Evolution. animals. Even organisms so different share a common architecture for their cilia. Although excavate the hind leg of a long-necked dinosaur (Rapetosaurus krausei ) protists were once placed in a single kingdom.15). cilium) are extensions of cells that function in locomotion. as documented by Figure 1. they are now from rocks in Madagascar. and animals obtain fossils and other evidence. both mentioned earlier. explained next. similarities between organisms are evident at all levels of the biological hierarchy.15  Digging into the past. One major reason for this change is the recent DNA evidence showing that some protists are less closely related to other protists than they are to plants.14). The most numerous and diverse eukaryotes are the pro- Figure 1. the kingdom to which we belong. Consider. of billions of years old. Animalia is. 5 μm Cross section of a cilium. it also displays remarkable unity. inhabited by an evolving cast of living course. for example. Paleontologists carefully tists. How can we account for life’s dual nature of unity and diversity? The process of evolution. Unity in the Diversity of Life As diverse as life is. The cilia of Cilia of windpipe cells. as viewed with an electron microscope 15 μm Cilia of Paramecium. the similar skeletons of different animals and the universal genetic language of DNA (the genetic code). classified into several groups. The cells the single-celled Paramecium that line the human windpipe are propel the organism through equipped with cilia that help keep pond water. the lungs clean by sweeping a 0. which are mostly single-celled organisms.14  An example of unity underlying the diversity of life: the architecture of cilia in eukaryotes. In fact.

He tageous traits. species generally are suited to their example in Figure 1. these common features are the Origin of Species was first highly specialized for the birds’ diverse lifestyles. tion to “edit” a population’s heritable variations in color. Darwin their way of life and their environment. For example. published in 1859. He reasoned that individuals shown in Figure 1. Darwin called this mechanism of evolutionary adaptation spring). suited individuals. We cumstances. birds are variations on a common body plan. tions of various organisms to the special circumstances of By making inferences from these three observations.” This insightful phrase captured the duality of life’s unity and diversity—unity in the kinship among species that descended from common ▲ Gentoo penguin ancestors and diversity in the modifications that evolved as species branched from their common ancestors (Figure 1. Second. and Scientific Inquiry . Evolution occurs as the unequal reproductive started with the following three observations from nature: success of individuals ultimately leads to adaptation to their First.17  Unity and diversity among birds. 14 chapter 1 Evolution. although others had described the pieces of proportion of individuals in a population will have the advan- the puzzle. naturally occurring variant traits in the population. Over many generations. a beak. they are adapted to their cir. However. a population can produce far more offspring natural selection because the natural environment con- than can survive to produce offspring of their own. a higher and higher found. competi. However.16). a common adaptation among birds see the products of natural selection in the exquisite adapta- that eat mostly hard seeds is an especially strong beak. These four Darwin as a young man. The Origin of Species articulated two main points. Darwin called this process “descent with modification. it was Darwin who saw how they fit together. With more sistently “selects” for the propagation of certain traits among individuals than the environment is able to support. and wings. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (Figure 1. The first point was that contemporary species arose from a succes- sion of ancestors that differed from them. Third.16  Charles Figure 1. the Themes of Biology. individuals in a population vary in their traits.19 are an excellent example of adaptation. For instance. Darwin’s second main point was his proposal that “natural selection” is a primary cause of descent with modification. as long as the environment remains the same.17).18 illustrates the ability of natural selec- environments—in other words. The wings of the bat arrived at his theory of evolution. Figure 1. The tion is inevitable. when Charles Darwin published one of the most important and influential books ever written. ▼ Red-shouldered hawk ▼ American flamingo ABC News Video: Exploring Evolution in the Solomon Islands ▲ European robin Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection An evolutionary view of life came into sharp focus in November 1859. many environment. of which seem to be heritable (passed on from parents to off. with inherited traits that are better suited to the local environ- Darwin developed his theory of natural selection from ment are more likely to survive and reproduce than less well- observations that by themselves were neither new nor pro. each has His revolutionary book On feathers.

actually have all the same bones. The bat’s forelimbs. joints. the bat is a mammal. and blood vessels found in other limbs as diverse South America or the Caribbean. are clearly related to species on the South American mainland. by its cumulative effects over long periods of time.19  Evolutionary adaptation. sequence comparisons. These wings are not like those of feath. if one population fragmented into several subpopulations isolated in different environments. the Galápagos as the human arm. first from anatomical anatomy of mammalian limbs reflects inheritance of the limb and geographic data and more recently with the help of DNA structure from a common ancestor—the “prototype” mam. one species could gradually radiate into multiple species as the geographically isolated populations adapted over many generations to differ- Figure 1. the only mammals capable of active flight. Fossils and other evidence corroborate anatomical unity in supporting this view of mammalian Biologists’ diagrams of evolutionary relationships generally descent from a common ancestor. would affect natural selection. the foreleg of a horse. (Rock Pocket Mouse) Darwin proposed that natural selection. Bats. take treelike forms. This could occur.19. Then explain how the population would change over time as the soil becomes lighter. Over time. for example. mal from which all other mammals descended. collected specimens of these birds during his 1835 visit to the remote Galápagos Islands. have ent sets of environmental factors. when lightened to medium color. cal variations of a common architecture. Write a caption for Natural Selection and Adaptation this new step. Initially. the soil will gradually become lighter in color. For hungry birds that prey on the beetles. could cause an ancestral species to give rise to two or more descendant species.” The Galápagos finches are a famous example of the process Darwin proposed that such adaptations are refined of radiation of new species from a common ancestor. researchers began to Darwinian concept of descent with modification. wings with webbing between extended “fingers. adapted to different food sources on their particular islands.18  Natural selection. though many Galápagos organisms wings in Figure 1. ered birds. Figure 1. the population varies extensively in the inherited coloration of the individuals. This imaginary beetle population has colonized a locale where the soil has been blackened by a recent brush fire. though The Galápagos finches are believed to have descended from adapted for flight. though the trees are often turned sideways chapter 1 Evolution. an ancestral finch species that reached the archipelago from nerves. and Scientific Inquiry 15 . According to the Years after Darwin collected the finches. the Themes of Biology. Indeed. the shared sort out their evolutionary relationships. 900 kilometers (km) off the Pacific coast of South America. Video: Galápagos Biodiversity by Peter and Rosemary Grant ronmental contexts. it is easiest to spot the beetles that are lightest in color. Draw another step to show HHMI Video: The Making of The Fittest: how the soil. These relatively young volcanic The Tree of Life islands are home to many species of plants and animals found Take another look at the skeletal architecture of the bat’s nowhere else in the world. 1 Population with varied 2 Elimination of 3 Reproduction of 4 Increased frequency inherited traits individuals with certain survivors of traits that enhance traits survival and repro- ductive success DRAW IT Over time. Darwin over time by natural selection. all mammalian forelimbs are anatomi. The diversity of mammalian forelimbs results from modification by natural ABC News Video: Protecting the Galápagos Islands selection operating over millions of years in different envi. In these separate arenas of natural selection. and the flipper finches diversified from their ancestor as populations became of a whale. from very light gray to charcoal.

In this way.3 each species is one twig of a branching tree of life extending In studying nature. thicker beaks are better at cracking seeds. no single scientific method Concept Check 1. see Appendix A. Such diverse elements for how.” Striving to understand seems to be one of our years ago. and Scientific Inquiry . Furthermore. Scientists use a process of inquiry that includes mak- and Animalia. There is no formula for successful scientific inquiry. Geospiza scandens (cactus-eater) This branch point represents the Large ground finch common ancestor of finches in Geospiza genera Camarhynchus and magnirostris Geospiza. which are adapted ANCESTRAL FINCH Platyspiza crassirostris to different food sources on the different (fruit-eater) islands. observations and form and test share a common ancestor. Species that are very similar. Camarhynchus pallidus HHMI Video: The Origin of Species: (insect-eater) The Beak of the Finch Small tree finch Camarhynchus parvulus (insect-eater) Branch point: where lineages diverge from a common Common cactus finch ancestor. testable explanations related to each other than either of these kingdoms is (hypotheses). finches ing the natural world. while the more Woodpecker finch slender beaks are better at grasping insects. scientists make back in time through ancestral species more and more remote.2 can be represented in the tree of life as the describing and explaining nature. The word science is derived from a Latin verb meaning the early prokaryotes that inhabited Earth over 3. Concept  1. of a new one. Referring to Figure 1. a search for information connected through its long evolutionary history. the green warbler finch of inquiry make science far less structured than most people came to have a slender beak. other life-forms.20. and explanations of natural phenomena. more observations may relationship between these three eukaryotic kingdoms. For example. That said. patience. and 2. What if fungi and animals are more closely ing observations. The process is necessarily to plants—as recent evidence strongly suggests? Draw a simple branching pattern that symbolizes the proposed repetitive: In testing a hypothesis. all of life is At the heart of science is inquiry. the universal genetic code. along 1. our planet. 16 chapter 1 Evolution. such as the Galápagos finches. finches are related to sparrows. science includes elements of challenge. Tree diagrams make sense: Just as an individ- ual has a genealogy that can be diagrammed as a family tree. Indeed. adventure.2 that researchers must rigidly follow. for example. We can recognize their vestiges in our own cells—in basic urges. it is possible to highlight certain charac- 3. Fungi. and the uni- even more ancient. with careful planning. provide a possible explanation the persistence to overcome setbacks.20  Descent with Green warbler finch modification: adaptive radiation of Certhidea olivacea finches on the Galápagos Islands. and all other birds. Trace life back far enough. Vegetarian finch Note the different beaks. inspire revision of the original hypothesis or formation For suggested answers. reasoning. Through an ancestor that lived hypotheses much farther back in time. (seed-eater) as in Figure 1. the Themes of Biology. Science is a way of knowing—an approach to understand- hawks. creativity. forming logical. heavier. penguins. thus leading to further testing.20. (insect-eater) This “tree” illustrates a current model for the evolution of finches on the Galápagos. As in all quests. over a very long time. with three subbranches on the eukaryotic branch being the kingdoms Plantae. and luck. three main branches. It developed out of our curiosity and other birds are related to us through a common ancestor about ourselves. realize. Figure 1. Explain why “editing” is a metaphor for how natural selection acts on a population’s heritable variation. and testing them. and we reach verse.5 billion “to know. DRAW IT The three domains you learned about in teristics that help to distinguish science from other ways of Concept 1.

a hypothesis is an explanation on trial. and Scientific Inquiry 17 . a series of detailed Interview with Jane Goodall: Living with chimpanzees observations have shaped our understanding of cell struc- ture. but the bulb isn’t lit. results are significant or merely due to random fluctuations. Recorded observations are called data.21). Goodall also assumptions. the improperly screwed-in chapter 1 Evolution. carried out a type of mathematics called statistics to test whether their under controlled conditions. along with experiments. based on observations and Tanzanian jungle (Figure 1.” Careful observations and data analyses. Exploration and Observation Our innate curiosity often stimulates us to pose questions about the natural basis for the phenomena we observe in the world. In the course of their work. Let’s say. Identifying publications relevant to a new line of research is now easier than at any point in the past. such as the frequency and duration of specific is usually a rational accounting for a set of observations. precision thermometers. are fundamental and databases of genes whose expression is altered in vari- to our understanding of nature. thetical explanations—that is. scientists begin to form tentative descriptions rather than numerical measurements. biologists rely heavily on the scientific literature. The term data implies numbers to many people. we derive generalizations hypotheses based on your experience are that (1) the bulb is from a large number of specific observations. Quantitative data are generally ing. data are items of information on which scientific inquiry Forming and Testing Hypotheses is based. “The sun always not screwed in properly or (2) the bulb is burnt out. Each of rises in the east” is an example. or high-speed cameras that extend their senses or facilitate careful mea- surement. After carrying out preliminary observations and collect- But some data are qualitative. Through induction.21  Jane Goodall collecting qualitative data on the laws governing nature. and another set of observations is currently expanding our databases of genome sequences from diverse species with generalizations reached by induction. the pub- lished contributions of fellow scientists. The question tant conclusions based on a type of logic called inductive is obvious: Why doesn’t the lamp work? Two reasonable reasoning. In science. ous diseases. For example. Jane Goodall spent decades recording her obser.scientists circle closer and closer to their best estimation of Figure 1. that your desk lamp is plugged in and turned on Collecting and analyzing observations can lead to impor. An experiment is a scientific test. for statistically significant. Scientists analyze their data using experiments. Put another way. behaviors for different members of a group of chimpanzees based on the available data and guided by inductive reason- in a variety of situations. And so is “All organisms are these alternative hypotheses leads to predictions you can test made of cells. the Themes of Biology. Said another enriched the field of animal behavior with volumes of quan. thanks to indexed and search- able electronic databases. In her studies. Goodall recorded her observations in field notebooks. That’s an observation. biologists make careful observations. example. For example. chimpanzee behavior. what causes the roots of a plant seedling to grow downward? In fine-tuning their questions. For answers to their original questions and to test their hypo- example. Observations can reveal valuable information about the natural world. focusing their investiga- tions on observations that are original and on hypotheses that are consistent with previous findings. We all make observations and develop questions and All results presented in this text have been shown to be hypotheses in solving everyday problems. scientists can build on the foundation of existing knowledge. they often use tools such as microscopes. The hypothesis titative data. A scientific hypothesis must lead to predictions that can expressed as numerical measurements and often organized be tested by making additional observations or by performing into tables and graphs. way. In gathering information. their hypotheses. vations of chimpanzee behavior during field research in a a hypothesis is an explanation. often with sketches of the animals’ behavior. For example. that leads to a testable prediction. By reading about and understanding past studies. often in the form of recorded ing and analyzing data.

. In other cases. even Question: Why doesn’t the desk lamp work? if replacing the bulb fixed the desk lamp. but rather by failing to prove it incorrect.22 traces an idealized deductive testing takes the form of “If .22. scientists 18 chapter 1 Evolution. The Flexibility of the Scientific Process tions to see whether or not the results are as predicted. For example. which opposite direction. We then test the hypothesis by carrying out experiments or observa. First. In the scientific process. For instance. In the process of inquiry sometimes called the scientific method. A scientific hypothesis must be testable. a scientist may start to design an We can use the desk lamp example to illustrate two other experiment. shown in this flow chart. hypothesis-based approach. then the lamp should work if you replace the sequence of steps that are typically used to describe this bulb with a new one. Replace bulb. nor whether spirits or elves cause storms. a particular hypothesis explains the known data well and stands up to experimental testing. bulb hypothesis is the most likely explanation. Bulb is burnt out. Although you could design an experiment to test The idealized process sometimes called the “scientific method” is this hypothesis. The hypothesis that bulb hypothesis predicts that carefully re-installing the bulb a burnt-out bulb is the sole reason the lamp doesn’t work will fix the problem. Lamp works. can always devise additional hypotheses to explain a set of observations remain too puzzling to prompt well-defined observations. Figure 1.22 diagrams this informal would not be supported if replacing the bulb with a new inquiry. . one preliminary observations are necessary. on the experiments shown in Figure 1. Not all hypotheses meet the criteria of science: You wouldn’t be able to test the hypothesis that invisible ghosts are fooling with your desk lamp! Because science only deals Deductive Reasoning with natural. but there are limitations to the kinds of questions it can Hypothesis is not supported. Such supernatural explanations are simply sion. rounds of hypothesis formulation and testing lead to a scientific Prediction: Reinstalling Prediction: Replacing consensus—the shared conclusion of many scientists that bulb will fix problem. bulb will fix problem. or illnesses. we extrapolate to the specific results we should ally exclusive or contradictory. the Themes of Biology. then” logic. which illustrates hypothesis testing for a desk Second. Desk lamp doesn't work. Hypothesis is supported. Figuring things out in this way by trial and error is a one didn’t fix the lamp. answer. they are simply concerned expect if the premises are true.22  A simplified view of the scientific process. Questions That Can and Cannot Be Addressed by Science Result: Result: Scientific inquiry is a powerful way to learn about nature. it might have been because there was a temporary power outage that just happened to end while the bulb was being changed. From gen- are issues of personal faith. approach. deduc- with different issues. For example. and Scientific Inquiry . For example. Test of prediction: Test of prediction: Reinstall bulb. but then backtrack after realizing that more key points about the use of hypotheses in science. A type of logic called deduction is also built into the use of it can neither support nor contradict the invisible ghost hypotheses in science. While induction entails reasoning hypothesis. you can never test all possible hypotheses. very few scientific inquiries adhere rigidly to the esis is correct. increase our confidence in its validity. testable explanations for natural phenomena. Based lamp that doesn’t work. Figure 1. Science and religion are not mutu- eral premises. deductive reasoning involves logic that flows in the outside the bounds of science. another hypothesis to explain questions until further study provides a new context in our nonworking desk lamp is that the electrical socket is which to view those observations. However. the burnt-out Observation: Desk lamp doesn’t work. tions usually take the form of predictions of results that will be found if a particular hypothesis (premise) is correct. rain- from a set of specific observations to reach a general conclu- bows. Often. Although a hypothesis can never be proved beyond the Hypothesis #1: Hypothesis #2: shadow of a doubt. case of the desk lamp example: If the burnt-out bulb hypoth. testing it in various ways can significantly Bulb is improperly screwed in. This The desk lamp example of Figure 1. from the general to the specific. but testing supports that hypothesis not by proving that it is correct. there must be some observation or experiment that could reveal if such an idea is likely to be true or false. as are religious matters. broken. we can never prove that a hypothesis is true.

and RY • Observing nature interactions of different parts of the • Asking questions process. This illustration is based on a • Reading the model (How Science Works) from the scientific literature website Understanding Science (www. These Now that we have highlighted the key features of scien- activities. however. LO VE EXP involving backtracking.could not unravel the details of how genes encode proteins (lower circles). the Themes of Biology. For example. well in explaining phenomena in the natural world. are shaped by exploration and discovery tific inquiry—making observations and forming and testing (the upper circle in Figure 1. what research projects are funded and how extensively the This core set of activities is the reason that science does so results are discussed. Figure 1. hypotheses—you should be able to recognize these features in tions with other scientists and with society more generally a case study of actual scientific research. are interpreted.23) and influenced by interac. repetitions. and what value is placed on the findings. In reality.23.understandingscience. the community of scientists until after the discovery of the structure of DNA (an event influences which hypotheses are tested. TESTING HY G AND PO TH IN Testing Ideas ES RM E O • Forming hypotheses S F • Predicting results • Doing experiments and/or making observations • Gathering data • Analyzing results Interpreting Results Data may… EFITS AND O • Support a hypothesis ANA LYSIS AN BEN U • Contradict a hypothesis Y D L IT F • Inspire a revised or new A UN TC EE • Feedback and IET • Developing hypothesis OM DB COMM peer review SOC technology ACK • Replication of ES • Informing policy • Solving problems findings • Building • Publication knowledge • Consensus building chapter 1 Evolution. societal needs—such as the push to cure cancer or in Figure 1.23  The process of science: N AND DIS TIO CO A realistic model. shown in the central understand the process of climate change—may help shape circle in the figure. the process RA of science is not linear. but is more circular. A more realistic model of the scientific process is shown Similarly. The focus of this model. and Scientific Inquiry 19 . how test results that took place in 1953). is the forming and testing of hypotheses.org).

the team counted and recall. in this case) with a control group field experiment. a researcher often manipu- required testing. one match their habitat would be preyed on more heavily than that is designed to compare an experimental group (the non- the native. 20 chapter 1 Evolution. the predators seashore. darker models in the species.A Case Study in Scientific Inquiry: the models differed only in their color patterns. (the camouflaged models). and the factor that is subsequently measured are types of painted them to resemble either beach or inland mice. protecting them from predation. What accounts for such variation? As you may beach habitat). it still In carrying out an experiment. foxes. owls. to form the hypothesis that their coloration patterns had evolved as adaptations that camouflage the mice in their native environments. Experimental Variables and Controls As obvious as the camouflage hypothesis may seem. well-matched mice. recorded signs of predation events. ance of others. and Scientific Inquiry . The researchers Investigating Coat Coloration in Mouse placed equal numbers of these model mice randomly in both habitats and left them overnight.25 summarizes this camouflaged mice models. dappled fur on their backs that allows them to blend into their on their backs. and gouge marks on some models to the outright disappear- but they have different color patterns and reside in differ. It was logical. are all visual hunters (they use their eyes to look for beach habitat (where light mice were less vulnerable) and the prey). Both the factor that is manipulated The researchers built hundreds of models of mice and spray. Florida Inland Beach population population Inland population GULF OF Beach MEXICO population Beach mice living on sparsely vegetated sand dunes along the coast have Members of the same species living about 30 km inland have dark fur light tan. Figure 1. The data naturalist studying populations of these mice in the 1920s. In 2010. therefore. herons. for Francis Bertody Sumner. including hawks. sometimes even among members of the same the experimental group (for example. thus fit the key prediction of the camouflage hypothesis. so that experimental variables—a feature or quantity that varies in Figure 1. The mouse models resem- Populations bling the native mice in the habitat were the control group (for Our case study begins with a set of observations and induc. and lower predation rates than those lacking camouflage in both the coyotes. tive generalizations. a habitat of brilliant white sand dunes with sparse appeared to be split fairly evenly between mammals (such as clumps of beach grass. the researchers then calculated the per- glance at the photographs in Figure 1.24 reveals a strik.25 is an example of a controlled experiment. The natural The results were clear-cut: Camouflaged models showed much predators of these mice. habitat. instance. biologist Hopi Hoekstra of Harvard lates one factor in a system and observes the effects of this University and a group of her students headed to Florida to change. more fertile soil farther inland (Figure 1. Even a brief For each environment. The inland mouse lives on darker. and hawks). the Themes of Biology. Color patterns of animals vary widely while the mouse models with the non-native coloration were in nature. a inland habitat (where dark mice were less vulnerable). The following morning. Judging by the shape of the predators’ bites and ent environments. which ranged from bites ter are members of the same species (Peromyscus polionotus). The mouse camouflage experiment described in test the prediction that mice with coloration that did not Figure 1. camouflaging them against the dark ground of their surroundings. ing match of mouse coloration to its habitat. foxes and coyotes) and birds (such as owls.24). light-colored mouse models in the beach habitat). centage of predation events that targeted camouflaged models. providing camouflage. The beach mouse lives along the Florida the tracks surrounding the experimental sites. the two mice depicted at the beginning of this chap.24  Different coloration in beach and inland populations of Peromyscus polionotus.

In our example. In both habitats. the researchers calculated the percentage of attacked models that were camouflaged or non-camouflaged. For example. The next morning. color. usually “control” unwanted variables not by eliminating them through envi- Results  For each habitat. in this case. lation of evidence. But the term theory has a different meaning in science. compared to any one hypothesis. Figure 1. Beach habitat Inland habitat 100 Animation: Introduction to attacked models Experimental Design Percentage of 50 Theories in Science “It’s just a theory!” Our everyday use of 0 the term theory often implies an untested Light models Dark models Light models Dark models speculation. that protects mice from predators. the Themes of Biology. Vignieri. tions arise by natural selection. But that’s Experiment  Hopi Hoekstra and colleagues tested the hypothesis that coat coloration provides impossible in field research and can be camouflage that protects beach and inland populations of Peromyscus polionotus mice from very difficult even in highly regulated predation in their habitats. And third. and how is it dif- ferent from a hypothesis or from mere speculation? Camouflaged Non-camouflaged Non-camouflaged Camouflaged First. and H. Peter and Rosemary Grant. J. G.” But Data from  S. Those theories the different test areas. and has different numbers of predators or different temperatures in not been contradicted by any scientific data. Larson. ing out their effects by using control groups. to test being measured that is predicted to be affected by the indepen. chapter 1 Evolution. For the beach habitat. Second. The have been able to rule out other factors as causes of the more theory of natural selection has been supported by a vast quan- frequent attacks on the non-camouflaged mice—such as tity of evidence. The researchers spray-painted mouse models with light or dark color patterns that matched those of the beach and inland mice and placed models with each of the laboratory environments. the models whose pattern did not ronmental regulation. the theory of natural selection motivated two researchers lated by the researchers. a scientific theory is much (control) (experimental) (experimental) (control) broader in scope than a hypothesis. Researchers patterns in both habitats. What is a scientific theory. The clever experimental design left that become widely adopted in science (such as the theory coloration as the only factor that could account for the low of natural selection and the theory of gravity) explain a great predation rate on models camouflaged with respect to the diversity of observations and are supported by a vast accumu- surrounding environment. The dependent variable is the factor at Princeton University. the specific hypothesis that the beaks of Galápagos finches dent variable. E.” This INTERPRET THE DATA The bars indicate the percentage of the attacked models that were either light theory proposes that natural selection or dark. matched to their habitat is an adaptation Thus. the researchers would not generally supported by a much greater body of evidence. the color of the mouse model to spin off many new. was the independent variable—the factor being manipu. Hoekstra. tion rate in response to variation in color of the mouse model. but by cancel- match their surroundings suffered much higher “predation” than did the camouflaged models. (Their results supported their hypothesis. they counted damaged or missing models.) independent variable—in the mouse experiment. testable hypotheses. the experimental and control groups differ in only one tion to Chapter 23. see the introduc- Ideally. N. the experiment supports the camouflage hypothesis. with more being found every day. the researchers measured the preda. and Scientific Inquiry 21 .25 A common misconception is that Inquiry  Does camouflage affect predation rates on two populations the term controlled experiment means of mice? that scientists control all features of the experimental environment. Evolution this is a theory: “Evolutionary adapta- 64:2153–2158 (2010). of which coat color in mice is but one example. Assume 100 mouse models were attacked in each habitat. This Conclusion  The results are consistent with the researchers’ prediction: that mouse models is a hypothesis: “Coat coloration well- with camouflage coloration would be preyed on less often than non-camouflaged mouse models. a theory is general enough an experiment. is the evolutionary mechanism that accounts for an enormous variety of Interview with Hopi Hoekstra: Investigating the genetics and natural selection of mouse coat color adaptations. how many were light models? Dark models? Answer the same questions for the inland habitat. evolve in response to changes in the types of available food. The selective advantage of crypsis in mice. a theory is Without the control group.

You can develop becomes a scientist. Hoekstra’s work uncovered at least one genetic mutation that underlies the differences between beach and inland mouse coloration. made to the study of life.4 species and their diseases. allowing links to be made between the The great scientist Isaac Newton once said: “To explain all evolutionary adaptations she focuses on and their molecular nature is too difficult a task for any one man or even for any basis in DNA sequences. Often it is a widely used model organism—a would you use this ecosystem to further test the camou. this failure may reflect some underlying weakness in the weight of available evidence. biologists once lumped bacteria and archaea Scientific results are continually scrutinized through the together as a kingdom of prokaryotes. The examples of scientific Yet any given problem can be addressed from many perspec- inquiry described in this book. How organism. W. What might you expect about coat color in these two mouse populations? Explain. Escherichia coli. Her lab includes biologists specializing in differ- Building on the Work of Others ent biological levels. and the bacterium ers in white lab coats. have all been tives. same research question. such an organism may be viewed as a model for understanding the biology of other Concept  1. and Cooperation is facilitated when scientists use the same owls are known predators. If scientific colleagues cannot repeat experimental If there is “truth” in science. even humans. . the soil worm Caenorhabditis elegans. lications. Scientists work- for comparing cells and molecules could be used to test such ing in the same research field often check one another’s relationships. For example. study natural phenomena at the level of organisms or cells. ago. As you read through this book. Why is natural selection called a theory? of being first with an important discovery or key experiment. 40 years earlier. you can benefit from making connec- leave the rest for others that come after you. note the many science is an intensely social activity. For example. 4. D. And. since the validity of experimental data is 1. it helps to be a Biologists may approach interesting questions from differ- good communicator. science polices itself. based on findings. When new methods repetition of observations and experiments. In fact. and As a biology student. which will then have to be revised. research papers aren’t This text is divided into units that look at biology at different published until they are vetted by colleagues in what is levels and investigate problems through different approaches. the soils are mostly sandy. one age. iments.25? It is not unusual for several scientists to converge on the 2. is sure to benefit greatly from the rich storehouse of again in different units. Contrast inductive reasoning with deductive reasoning. One such topic is sickle-cell disease. For example. fit. graduate students. Most scientists work contributions that these and other model organisms have in teams. Hopi a well-understood genetic condition that is prevalent among Hoekstra’s experiment benefited from the work of another native inhabitants of Africa and other warm regions and their 22 chapter 1 Evolution. driven by curiosity about how nature this skill by noticing when certain topics crop up again and works. . Some other Science benefits from a cooperative popular model organisms are the mustard plant Arabidopsis approach and diverse viewpoints thaliana. Mice are found in both sandy and rocky areas. the zebrafish Movies and cartoons sometimes portray scientists as lon. ’Tis much better to do a little with certainty.3 scientific endeavor. and websites. all species are evolutionarily related. Danio rerio. . and Scientific Inquiry . pub. the original claim. study in Figure 1. working in isolated labs. the mouse Mus musculus. with occasional regions of black rock while others derive more satisfaction from cooperating with derived from lava flows that occurred about 1. WHAT IF? In the deserts of New Mexico. published in peer-reviewed journals. Integrity and adherence to high professional standards in reporting results are central to the Concept Check 1. while others shared with a community of peers through seminars. Some scientists enjoy the challenge 3. in fact. scientists will sometimes modify or even the design of Kaufman’s experiment and interpret the results reject theories when new research produces results that don’t in the Scientific Skills Exercise. see Appendix A. which in fact complement each other. for instance. the Themes of Biology. species that is easy to grow in the lab and lends itself par- flage hypothesis? ticularly well to the questions being investigated. Because For suggested answers. the evidence led scientists to reject the theory claims by attempting to confirm observations or repeat exper- that bacteria and archaea are members of the same kingdom. You can study accepted theory. which often include both graduate and under. In this sense. genetic studies of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have taught us a lot about how genes work in other species. What qualitative observation led to the quantitative key to designing further lines of inquiry.” Anyone who tions between the different levels of biology.000 years fellow scientists working on the same problem. Research results have no impact until ent angles. And to succeed in science. discoveries by others who have come before. Some biologists focus on ecosystems. called the “peer review” process. In reality. it is at best conditional. In spite of the body of evidence supporting a widely researcher. Kaufman.

Graph A shows data from with the color of its surroundings would affect the rate of nighttime the light-colored soil enclosure predation by owls. Though example. stand how the graphs are set esized that the extent to which the coat color of a mouse contrasted up. W. as well as ques. from completely unanticipated relationship of science to society becomes clearer when we observations in the course of scientific exploration. 7.” hope these features will help you integrate the material while engineers and other technologists more often speak of you’re learning and enhance your enjoyment of biology “inventions. while that of technology between the content in different chapters. the variables that were tested by the researcher? polionotus) with different coat colors. We Biologists and other scientists usually speak of “discoveries. but in all lyze data from his studies of owl predation on mice that tested these other respects the graphs are hypotheses. Data from the Experiment 3. the Themes of Biology. He also hypothesized that the contrast would be and graph B from the dark- affected by the amount of moonlight. Scientific Skills Exercise Interpreting a Pair of Bar Graphs Interpret The Data How Much Does Camouflage Affect Predation on Mice by 1.23). (a) There is more than one independent variable in these graphs. Combining the data from both graphs. The potent combination of science and technology can have dramatic effects on society. and the cial come out of the blue. the same. tions that ask you to make the connections yourselves. make sure you under- Owls With and Without Moonlight?  D. For add technology to the picture (see Figure 1. and Scientific Inquiry 23 . Journal of Mammalogy 55:271–283 (1974). (a) Is a dark brown mouse on dark-colored soil more likely to 40 40 escape predation under a full moon or with no moon? (b) What Light coat Light coat about a light brown mouse on light-colored soil? Explain. and Society tions of basic research that turn out to be the most benefi- The research community is part of society at large. more likely to escape predation by owls on dark. the test was recorded as a zero. 35 Dark coat 35 Dark coat Number of mice caught Number of mice caught 4. What are the indepen- How the Experiment Was Done  Pairs of mice (Peromyscus dent variables. in their research. If the owl did not catch 2.” Because scientists put new technology to work by encouraging you to keep the big picture in mind. (a) What combination of independent variables led to the high- 25 est predation level in enclosures with light-colored soil? (b) What 20 20 combination of independent variables led to the highest preda- tion level in enclosures with dark-colored soil? 15 15 6. is to apply scientific knowledge for some specific purpose. lit night? (c) On a moonlit night. Data from  D. First. Thinking about your answers to question 5. were released simultaneously into an enclosure that is the dependent variable. Technology. Kaufman. (a) How many dark brown mice were caught in the light-colored either mouse within 15 minutes. descendants. would a dark brown mouse be ence or absence of moonlight during each assay was recorded. the response to the variables being contained a hungry owl.or light-colored soil? Explain your answer. In this exercise. Sickle-cell disease will appear in several units of science and technology sometimes employ similar inquiry the text. each time addressed at a new level. you will ana. provide a simple 10 10 statement describing conditions that are especially deadly for 5 5 either color of mouse. Adaptive coloration in Peromyscus polionotus: Experimental selection by owls. The pres. Which Full moon No moon Full moon No moon condition is optimal for predation by the owl? Explain. The researcher recorded the color of the tested? Which axis of the graphs has the dependent variable? mouse that was first caught by the owl. we patterns. their basic goals differ. discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and chapter 1 Evolution. The goal of science is to have designed a number of figures that make connections understand natural phenomena. estimate the number of 0 0 mice caught in moonlight versus no-moonlight conditions. science and technology are interdependent. colored enclosure. (a) Under which conditions would a dark brown mouse be most 30 30 likely to escape predation at night? (b) A light brown mouse? 25 5. the applica- Science. A: Light-colored soil B: Dark-colored soil Instructors: A version of this Scientific Skills Exercise can be assigned in MasteringBiology. In addition. Kaufman hypoth. Sometimes. W. The soil enclosure on a moonlit night? (b) How many dark brown release trials were repeated multiple times in enclosures with either mice were caught in the dark-colored soil enclosure on a moon- a dark-colored soil surface or a light-colored soil surface. one light brown and one Which axis of the graphs has the independent variables? (b) What dark brown.

includ- ing paper and ink. and society increases the significance and value of any (See Concept 1. Ph. a serious disease that is scientists—have a responsibility to be informed about how widespread in sub-Saharan Africa but absent in the United States. valuable. which conviction was overturned. where a rich mix of different cultures crime. and the same can be said for other important inventions. The authors of this text welcome particular people have genes for hereditary diseases? Should all students to the community of biologists. students. Debates about technology center more on “should science and technology.4 data? These questions are becoming much more urgent as 1. For example. and cultural values as with sci. disease is present in a higher percentage of residents Ethical issues raised by such questions have as much to of sub-Saharan Africa than among those of African descent living in the United States. women and certain minori- Crick 60 years ago and subsequent achievements in DNA sci- ties have faced huge obstacles in their pursuit to become ence led to the technologies of DNA manipulation that are professional scientists in many countries around the world. which was modified by Gutenberg to become oil-based ink. In 2011. changing attitudes about career and forensics (Figure 1. transforming applied fields such as medicine. The Value of Diverse Viewpoints in Science forensic analysis of DNA samples from a crime scene led to the release of Michael Morton from prison after he had served nearly 25 years Many of the technological innovations with the most pro- for a crime he didn’t commit. wishing you such tests always be voluntary. The photo shows Mr. How does science differ from technology? the sequencing of individual genomes becomes quicker and 2. Over the past 50 years. Discuss an evolutionary process that science works and about the potential benefits and risks could account for the different percentages of the of technology. the Themes of Biology. and productive the scien- stances is it acceptable to use DNA technology to find out if tific interchange will be. economics. so that now women constitute tant applications.) biology course.D. The DNA found impact on human society originated in settlements analysis linked another man. see Appendix A. but it is unlikely that they could have roughly half of undergraduate biology majors and biology predicted exactly what all those applications would be. Along similar lines. science stands to gain much from embracing a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints among its practitioners. was invented by the German Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. and other attributes? The scientific community reflects the cultural standards and behaviors of the society around it.26  DNA technology and forensics. It is therefore not surprising that until recently. Figure 1. where technology was developed for its mass production. MAKE CONNECTIONS The gene that causes sickle-cell cheaper. race. the brutal murder of his wife. also charged in a second murder. Morton hugging his parents after his ignited new ideas. This lack of diversity hampers the we do it” than “can we do it. as they do for many other types of personal health Concept Check 1. the printing press. Perhaps Watson and Crick envi- choices have increased the proportion of women in biology sioned that their discovery would someday lead to impor- and some other sciences. and women and many racial and ethnic groups and wants of people and on the social environment of the are still significantly underrepresented in many branches of times. sickle-cell gene among residents of the two regions. under what circum- table. All citizens—not only professional protection from malaria. ethnicity. For example. to the along trade routes. Paper traveled along trade routes from China to Baghdad. This invention relied on several innovations from China.” With advances in technology progress of science. helped spread knowledge to all social classes. The more voices that are heard at the come difficult choices. The details of forensic analysis of DNA will be described in Chapter 20. gene causes sickle-cell disease. The directions that technology takes depend less on the The pace has been slow at higher levels in the profession. and Scientific Inquiry . ogy. curiosity that drives basic science than on the current needs however. Even though this do with politics. But just how diverse a population are scientists in relation to gender. The relationship between science. For suggested answers. 24 chapter 1 Evolution.26). when genetic testing should be mandatory? Should insur- ance companies or employers have access to the informa- tion.2. technol. This technology then migrated to Europe. agriculture. or are there circumstances the joys and satisfactions of this exciting field of science. the more robust. We have the cross-fertil- ization of diverse cultures to thank for the printing press. as did water-based ink from China. it also provides some ence and technology.

some of which is then passed on to consum. Domain Bacteria and domain Archaea con- organization. In systems biology. how does the activity of VOCAB text messaging reflect the four themes Organization Theme: New Properties Emerge SELF-QUIZ at Successive Levels of Biological Organization goo. Biologists classify species according to a system of broader and Structure and function are correlated at all levels of biological broader groups. life is connected through its long evolutionary history. an end conclusion.3 the environment. The Core Theme: Evolution accounts With each step upward from atoms. scientists make and record observations or end product. Cells are either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. complex transformed life on Earth. which requires EMIC LIN Each species is one twig of a branching tree of life extending back CH energy. Bioinformatics uses computational tools Differences in reproductive success to deal with huge volumes of sequence data. an organism’s basic unit of structure and sist of prokaryotes. the Themes of Biology. All of G energy from sunlight to chem. organisms to their environments. In negative feedback. Domain Eukarya. unity and diversity of life. The study of life reveals unifying themes (pp.gl/6u55ks of biology described in this section? The hierarchy of life unfolds as follows: biosphere 7 ecosystem 7 community 7 Concept  1. Plants take up nutrients from the soil and Concept  1. new for the unity and diversity of life (pp. unity. containing nucleus. Eukaryotic Animalia.) Chemicals cycle between organisms and Concept  1. Practice Tests. Deductive reasoning makes predictions that can be used to chapter 1 Evolution. ENERGY FLOW Evolution of adaptations in the population system.1 chemicals from the air and use energy from the sun. the process of change that has In an approach called reductionism. and form and test hypotheses (pp. Darwin proposed natural selection as the mechanism for evolu- tionary adaptation of populations to their environments. Prokaryotic cells lack such organelles. Producers convert in time through more and more remote ancestral species. accumulation of the (collect data) and use inductive reasoning to draw a general end product slows its production. including a DNA. 16–22) Interactions Are Important in Biological Systems In feedback regulation. and Scientific Inquiry 25 . and more in the Study Area. 4–11) ? Thinking about the muscles and nerves in your hand. a process called gene expression. Animations. which can be developed into a testable hypothesis. Gene expression also produces RNAs that are not translated into protein but Hereditary Overproduction of off- variations spring and competition serve other important functions. accounts for the systems are broken down to simpler compo. cal systems by studying the interactions among the system’s parts. and for life. product speeds up its own production. Natural Information Theme: Life’s Processes Involve the selection is the evolutionary process that occurs when a popula- Expression and Transmission of Genetic Information tion is exposed to environmental factors that consistently cause Genetic information is encoded in the individuals with certain heritable traits to have greater reproduc- nucleotide sequences of DNA. includes function. evolutionary adaptation—the match of scientists attempt to model the dynamic behavior of whole biologi. In studying nature. a process is regulated by its output In scientific inquiry. ? How could natural selection have led to the evolution of adaptations ers. As diverse as life is. scientists make observations Interactions Theme: From Molecules to Ecosystems. DNA sequences (called genes) Population of organisms program a cell’s protein production by being transcribed into mRNA and then translated into specific proteins. Genomics is the large-scale analysis of the DNA Environmental sequences of a species (its genome) as well as factors the comparison of genomes between species. ical energy. Vocab Self-Quiz. the eukaryotes. It is DNA that tive success than do individuals with other heritable traits. there is also evidence of remarkable cells contain membrane-enclosed organelles. of individuals Energy and Matter Theme: Life Requires the Transfer and Transformation of Energy and Matter Energy flows through an eco. The cell. Evolution. transmits heritable information from parents to offspring.2 population 7 organism 7 organ system 7 organ 7 tissue 7 cell 7 organelle 7 molecule 7 atom. It also explains nents that are more manageable to study. revealed in the similarities between different species. 11–16) emergent properties result from interac- tions among components at the lower levels. All organisms must AL CYC perform work. In positive feedback. (The rest is lost from the such as camouflaging coat color in beach mice? ecosystem as heat. is the lowest level that can perform all activities required various groups of protists and the kingdoms Plantae. Organisms interact continuously Summary of Key Concepts with physical factors.1 Chapter Review Go to MasteringBiology™ for Videos. Fungi.

Include all levels in the hierarchy. explain how Technology consists of any method or device that applies sci.000 entific knowledge for some specific purpose that affects society. chapter. You can use them to study on (D) Theories are proved true. anywhere! by experimental results. less complex units. selection process. In the process of science. hypothesis. Can you pick out the (D) build high-throughput machines for the rapid acquisition mossy leaf-tailed gecko of biological data. 11. its stomach as the organ. (D) keeps all variables constant. draw a biological hierarchy Concept  1. suggest another hypothesis researchers ? Explain why different approaches and diverse backgrounds among might use to further study the role of predators in the natural scientists are important.4 similar to the one in Figure 1. theories For additional practice questions. The work of each scientist builds on the work of others who have come before. such different organisms could have this same subset of 1. ? What are the roles of gathering and interpreting data in the process of scientific inquiry? (D) If my hypothesis is correct. Include in goo. and genetic (A) proceeds slowly enough that a scientist can make careful information in this records of the results. Controlled experiments. (C) Hypotheses usually are relatively narrow in scope. and is supported by a large body of evidence. will support it. a free online database maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Level 1: Knowledge/Comprehension Information. and Science benefits from a cooperative approach DNA as the molecule. and diverse viewpoints (pp. (B) The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds.000 of these genes are present in both types of ment each other. the gecko’s coloration (C) is repeated many times to make sure the results are accurate. (B) If my prediction is correct. 13. such as the investigation of coat 7. Scientists must be 9. it will lead to a testable A scientific theory is broad in scope. tests and observations effect of one variable by testing control groups and experimen. and integrity is key. tablet. All the organisms on your campus make up (A) an ecosystem. lying against the tree trunk in this photo? 3. Based on your understanding of evolution. (See a suggested grading (A) analyze genomes from different species. EVOLUTION CONNECTION  A typical prokaryotic cell has about able to repeat each other’s results. SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY  Scientists search the scientific literature Test Your Understanding by means of electronic databases such as PubMed. genes. their approaches comple. genes. Systems biology is mainly an attempt to your discussion some of his evidence. A controlled experiment is one that selection. What sorts of functions might these shared genes have? The impact of basic research is not always immediately obvious. munity analysis and feedback.000 approach questions at different levels. a fish as the organism. when that is not possible. test hypotheses.000 genes in its DNA. com. are designed to demonstrate the (A) If I generate a testable hypothesis. might have evolved. Which of the following is an example of qualitative data? experiments or. natural 4. tions. Which sentence best describes the logic of scientific inquiry? color in mouse populations. 5. by making observa. 8. Biologists 3. see Appendix A. while a human cell has almost 21. theories are correct answers. describe how (B) tests experimental and control groups in parallel. cells. About 1. This endeavor is influenced by exploration and discovery. TEST resulted in both unity and diversity of life on Earth. (C) The temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C. I can expect certain test results. SYNTHESIZE YOUR KNOWLEDGE (C) understand the behavior of entire biological systems by studying interactions among its component parts.gl/CUYGKD 2. check out the Dynamic Study have broad explanatory power. Hypotheses must be testable. Diversity among scientists promotes progress in science. (C) a population. Modules in MasteringBiology. rubric and tips for writing good essays in the Study Area of (B) simplify complex problems by reducing the system into MasteringBiology under “Write About a Theme. discuss Darwin’s view of how natural selection PRACTICE domain. generates new hypotheses. and societal outcomes. (A) The fish swam in a zigzag motion. 26 chapter 1 Evolution. Which of the following best demonstrates the unity among all How is the appearance organisms? of the gecko a benefit in (A) emergent properties (C) the structure and function terms of survival? Given (B) descent with of DNA what you learned about modification (D) natural selection evolution. or computer anytime. SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY  Based on the results of the mouse coloration case study. and Scientific Inquiry .3 but using a coral reef as the ecosystem. DRAW IT  With rough sketches. 1. hypotheses are often contradicted your smartphone. 12. Hypotheses can be tested by conducting 6. (D) The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks each. (B) Hypotheses are guesses.”) smaller. the core activity is testing ideas. WRITE ABOUT A THEME: EVOLUTION  In a short essay (B) a community. the Themes of Biology. Which of the following statements best distinguishes hypotheses from theories in science? (A) Theories are hypotheses that have been proved. science can address Level 2: Application/Analysis neither the possibility of supernatural phenomena nor the valid- ity of religious beliefs. they will support my hypothesis. For selected answers. 10. tal groups that differ in only that one variable. Use PubMed to find the abstract of a scientific article that Hopi Hoekstra published in 2015 or later. (D) a taxonomic (100–150 words). (C) If my observations are accurate. 22–24) Level 3: Synthesis/Evaluation Science is a social activity.